NASHVILLE – We're now into mid-May, and nearing the start of organized team activities.
A month from now, the Titans will be wrapping up a minicamp, and the offseason program.
There's a lot to talk about now, including the schedule release.
Let's get going …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
KD Thompson from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! just writing in to say………. THIS SCHEDULE IS PERFECT FOR THE FANS!! It's the perfect set up for a rookie QB!!! Two playoff teams to start so there's no public media "pressure toward winning" or "discouragement in failure." Simply playing as loose and as hard as we can out of the gate is an easy expectation to meet to build some confidence in our effort. THEN we get a "pressure to win" game after getting loose and ready against better competition! The perfect start before going on a stretch against fairly competitive but not completely dominant teams, all to prepare for the highly anticipated Vrabel game! After that comes a confidence boosting, "good chance to win" game against the Colts for IF we happen to lose that Vrabel game.. (but we won't) and one more competitive team before the BYE. That should be enough games to see if any team identity is flashing yet and if we're building the right foundation with our coaches and players. The second half of the schedule has enough games that we may be able to compete in so EVEN IF we look disoriented in the first half of the season, (but we won't) we can still have optimism. Extra bonus that the Cleveland game is late in the season to give Shedeur some time to climb the depth chart if he's going to. Two "Training-Brothers" facing off is a fun mini story line for small market franchises! GET EXCITED MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS & TITAN UP!!
Jim: Time will tell, KD. Some tough games in first quarter of season, and a three-game road stretch won't be easy. I like the long stretch of games at home. Surprised the team didn't get at least one primetime game, but a game or two could be flexed if things are going well. The Titans will have to earn it. Only one AFC South game in the month of December jumped out. The reality is some teams are always better than expected, others fail to live up to expectations. We'll find out in the fall how this schedule ends up being.
Ray Turner from McEwen, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. No questions but a general comment on one of our draft picks.
I'm very excited to see the addition of Gunnar Helm. Lived in TX during the Jason Witten days and always thought he was a great go-to for Troy (and set a lot of Cowboy records doing it). Have seen that same connection Kelse and Mahomes. Hoping to see that type of bond develop as the seasons play out here in TN
Jim: I like the looks of Gunnar myself. He had a great season last year with Texas. It will be interesting to see if he can find a role as a rookie alongside Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle. I think David Martin-Robinson is really talented, too, and Thomas Odukoya has shown great improvement himself. In some fashion, I think all five could stick (roster and practice squad combined).
Colt Cattani from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim! It is rare for a number 1 overall pick to not get at least 1 prime-time game. I'm curious about the players' reaction to not getting a prime-time game this year during the regular season.
Jim: Hi Colt. Well, I'll just say I would expect them to use it as motivation heading into the season.
Ed Pierce from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Great mailbag this week. I have watched with interest as we have taken advantage of our position to take players off of waivers. It looks like we are trying to fill the LB's room while adding to the DT's. What position do you see as the "one still needing a veteran" for either start or depth chart? Our market size and 2024 record helped with the advantage of a full week rest schedule albeit at the expense of no "Prime Time". Do you think the odds makers have it right, 6-10 for 2025? Have a good rest of the week.
Jim: Hey Ed. So far, the team has claimed five give off waivers – LB Curtis Jacobs, OLB Titus Leo, S Mark Perry, LB Amari Burney and LB Anfernee Orji. I think you'll continue to see the team use the No.1 spot on the waiver wire to upgrade the roster. I suspect they're watching for edge rushers, ILBs, o-linemen, safeties, tight ends, receivers to shake free. Heck, I think it's safe to say every position is of interest, some more than others. … I saw the over-under win total for the Titans is 5.5. I'd take the over.
Rex Greene from Athens, Alabama
Question: Thanks again for serving the fans. I would love to know what is behind the secrecy of Titans practices? I thought it was a Vrabel thing. Then when he was gone I figured it was a Carthon thing. But now with different guys, that thinking must come a higher level? It just seems other teams are not nearly so secretive.
Jim: Hey Rex. Not sure what you mean by "secrecy of practices." OTAs haven't even started. The early stages of the offseason program have never been open to media. A handful of the OTAs, along with the minicamp next month, will be open. Training camp will be open to media. Nothing has changed here.
Todd Cookingham from Houston, Texas
Question: Hey Jim. It's been a bit ..born in NY,then CA.,NC,AZ, now Houston. Wow oiler country. I've been a oiler/Titan fan from 1977.now living here where the story's of renfro's foot. Earls Miami Monday night. The darn pom poms man. I see we play the Texans week 4 early this year.will be there. I looked at the schedule and like it..I pride myself on being a realist with our beloved love ya blue..I see a 11-6 as a possible record. I love the new receiver group.RB's ,newTE ,and DL I feel there's some Jem's ready to be discovered.my Question is k is Stonehouse ok .. my heart sinks as I relive those 2 blocked punts. My wife and I pray for him. Also Burks trade ? Finally thanks Jim for whatcha do! And remind our fans third down means get off your Bum Phillips!!!
Jim: Hey Todd. Love the history lesson, you go way back. Stonehouse is doing well, but he's with the Dolphins now, in case you missed it. The Titans signed punter Johnny Hekker. And, there has been no Burks trade. He's currently recovering from the torn ACL he suffered last season. I can't imagine there's a big market for him right now, considering his injury. Good to hear from you Todd.
Anthony Anthamatten from Springfield, Illinois
Question: I chuckled when I saw we are playing the Patriots this year. Loved Mike Vrabel as the Titans coach. Our guys better get their hats and pads on tight if you don't think this man hasn't circled us on his schedule.
Jim: The Titans-Patriots game is set for October 19 at Nissan Stadium.
Jeremy Rogriguez from Winchester, California
Question: Hey Jim, hope all is well. I am looking at this year's schedule and I am calling it now, 7 wins! I really, wholeheartedly believe 7 wins this year. I think Callahan has added the right coaches and a little self-reflection will pay out a good dividend. Have a great weekend Jim and as always, TITAN UP!!!
Jim: Hey Jeremy. Well, seven wins would double last year's win total. Did you see Todd went with 11?
Testing pHqghUme from San Francisco, California
Question: 1.
Jim: It worked!
Jonathan Byler from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim, this is my first time writing this mail to you. I have been a long time Titans fan since I was little kid since Tennessee Oilers when McNair started playing for this team, I do miss McNair though because he'll be always be my #1 best QB of all time in my eyes. So, anyways I have 2 questions for you. Do you think Cam Ward will shine on his rookie year like Commanders Jayden Daniels and bring Titans to playoffs in this upcoming 2025 season? I kind of have high hopes for Cam to be our future franchise QB for Titans, I was so overjoyed that Titans drafted him as #1 Overall Pick in NFL Draft 2025. So, other question is: Will they have some kind of scrimmage game like Blue vs White, Rookies vs Veterans, or something like that this summer before the preseason? If so where we will be able to watch it online for Titans fans and community here? Thanks for your time reading this mail, I'm so looking forward for 2025 NFL Season!
Jim: Hey Jonathan. I've liked the looks of Cam so far, but we have a long way to go. Jayden Daniels was phenomenal last season, and I'm not going to put those lofty expectations on Cam. I do think Cam is going to be a good one. The Titans won't separate the team like you mentioned, but there will be many competitive practices with the offense vs the defense during training camp. And, the team plans to hold joint practices in Tampa and Atlanta against the Buccaneers (one practice) and Falcons (two practices), respectively.
Travis Lewis from LaVergne, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, I'm a 16 year old in LaVergne Tennessee and was wondering if the Titans are holding an open practice at Nissan Stadium like they did last year and when will tickets be available if so?
Jim: Hey Travis. The hope is to have another open practice at the stadium again this year, but it's still TBD. Check back in a month or so on this.
Have a great weekend everyone!
